Cheeky signing

Loftus-Cheek, 21, signed for Chelsea at the age of eight, where he has won two FA Youth Cups, an U21s Premier League title and the UEFA Youth League.

He made his first-team debut for the Blues in 2014, and played six times last season when they claimed the Premier League title.

The England Under 21 international told the official Palace website: "I had the option of coming to Palace and I thought that it would be great for me.

"I live not too far away, I was born in Lewisham and Palace is good club, so I thought it's a good chance to play here and be a part of the team. They have a very strong team and I'd like to be a part of that this season.

"I hope to play a lot more games and give everything I've got. I think we can do well in the league as well as the cup competitions, so Iíve got high hopes.

"I've played in a number of positions over the past couple of years but recently I've been playing as a number 10 for England and Chelsea.

"Last year I was also playing in a front three. In the academy I was playing as a defensive midfielder so I don't mind playing wherever, as long as I'm playing."